Quick Facts: Idaho
Performance Breakdown
-
Law & Policy: 55% of metrics met
-
Laws authorizing comprehensive supports and services for youth experiencing homelessness: 50% of metrics met
-
Preventing youth experiencing homelessness from coming into contact with the criminal and juvenile justice systems: 24% of metrics met
-
Providing unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness the opportunity to seek legal independence and live independently: 75% of metrics met
-
Addressing the educational needs of youth experiencing homelessness: 83% of metrics met
-
Allowing youth experiencing homelessness to access critical supports and services: 78% of metrics met
-
-
Systems: 72% of metrics met
-
Environment: 12% of metrics met
State Score 2022: 51
State Ranking 2022: 31
2022 Score
2021 Score
48
51
Idaho Highlights
One area where Idaho has moved the needle relative to other states is addressing the educational needs of youth experiencing homelessness.
Law & Policy
-
The state gives minors contract rights OR allows them to enter into binding contracts for certain purposes (e.g. necessities).
-
The state explicitly allows unaccompanied youth under 18 to apply for health insurance coverage (without parental consent).
Systems
-
Youth can obtain a state-issued identification card without parental consent.
Environment
-
The state establishes protected class status based on one's sexual orientation and gender identity for juvenile justice programs.
Recommendations for Improvement
There is room for improvement across metrics for the Gem State. Laws authorizing comprehensive supports and services for youth experiencing homelessness, preventing their contact with the criminal and juvenile justice systems, and protecting the rights and interests of youth experiencing homelessness, including LGBTQ youth, should be prioritized.
Law & Policy
-
The state should decriminalize running away as a status offense.
-
Allow shelters to take in homeless youth with a delay or waiver of notification requirements.
Systems
-
Create a state entity – such as an Office of Homeless Youth Services – that focuses solely on designing, implementing, and evaluating youth homelessness programs.
Environment
-
Require training about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, healthy sexual development, or issues specific to LGBTQ youth for staff working in runaway and homeless youth systems.
-
Promote safe and inclusive environments in juvenile justice and runaway and homeless youth programs by providing protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity